The new Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE aim to deliver premium features at a more affordable price. With improved Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Galaxy AI integration, and Samsung’s new “Blade” design carried over from the Galaxy Buds3 series, these earbuds pack a lot into a lightweight and stylish form factor.
Design
Samsung borrowed the signature “Blade” design from its higher-end Buds3 series, keeping the semi-transparent accent and sleek matte finish. Available in Black and Gray, they look refined but skip the blade light strip found on the Pro model.
At under 5g per earbud, they’re light enough for long listening sessions. The IP54 rating also makes them durable enough for workouts or daily commutes.
The blade stems support swipe and pinch controls: swipe up or down to adjust volume, squeeze to toggle ANC modes, control playback, or summon your voice assistant. Unfortunately, Samsung removed the dedicated voice command feature that allowed you to say “Play Music” or “Reject Call” without touching the buds—something I genuinely miss.
User Experience
Samsung has streamlined the setup experience for Galaxy device owners. You no longer need the Galaxy Wearable app—earbud settings are now built right into your phone’s system menus, much like Apple’s AirPods.
A standout feature is the Galaxy AI integration. With the Buds3 FE, you can enjoy hands-free access to Google Gemini, check your calendar, or use the Interpreter feature for real-time translations in Conversation Mode. This makes them particularly useful for travelers or professionals working across languages. Do note, however, that these AI features require pairing with a compatible Galaxy device.
Audio Quality
The Galaxy Buds3 FE feature an 11mm dynamic driver, offering a well-rounded sound with punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. They won’t replace dual-driver setups or satisfy audiophiles chasing extreme detail, but they deliver a balanced and enjoyable listening experience for most users.
Fit is crucial here—using the right ear tips ensures better bass response, passive isolation, and ANC performance.
ANC itself is respectable, with five adjustable levels. While the differences between levels aren’t dramatic, the Buds3 FE effectively cut down on air conditioning hums, traffic noise, and public transit sounds. They aren’t as strong as the Buds3 Pro, but they hold their own for everyday use.
For calls, a triple-mic system with AI-powered filtering boosts clarity. Samsung brands this as Crystal Clear Call, and in practice, voices sound clean with minimal background interference.
Battery Life
With ANC on, the Galaxy Buds3 FE last about 6 hours, with an additional 18 hours from the case. Turning ANC off extends usage to 8.5 hours per charge and up to 30 hours in total. These figures are competitive in the mid-range earbud market. Unlike the Pro, the FE edition doesn’t support wireless charging.
Final Words
At RM499, the Galaxy Buds3 FE are a compelling option—especially if you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem, where seamless integration and Galaxy AI features elevate the experience.
For non-Galaxy users, however, there are rivals in this price bracket that offer slightly better sound quality and stronger ANC, though they lack Samsung’s AI-driven perks.
Compared to the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds3, the FE model trims a few premium extras—no wireless charging, no blade lighting, lower IP rating, and standard SBC/AAC codecs. Still, the in-ear design borrowed from the Pro model may be a plus for users seeking better passive isolation.
Overall, the Galaxy Buds3 FE strike a fine balance between value and functionality, making them one of the best affordable entries into Samsung’s wireless audio lineup.
Buy Here
Yay
- Same Pro design
- Comes with Galaxy AI
- Great battery life
Nay
- No wireless charging
- Only works well with Samsung smartphones
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